Small Engine Repair

Four-cycle engines are found on many types of equipment used by farmers including mowers, tillers, chain saws, ATVs and more! Knowing how to maintain and repair small engines can save you time and money. This workshop will help you understand how a small engine works, common problems that occur, and how to fix them. Information on safety and risk management issues related to small engine repair will also be included. as part of this hands-on workshop.

Participants should bring their own basic toolkit that includes a ratchet and socket set.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Small Farm Outreach Program office at smallfarm@vsu.edu or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Lazy Bed Production

Part of the 2019 workshop series for beginning farmers at Fauquier Education Farm.

MAY 30, 20196PM-8PM

Fauquier Education Farm8428 Meetze Rd. • Warrenton, VA

This workshop is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is not required.

A thick bed of hay or straw mulch can be one of your most valuable gardening tools. It will help suppress weeds, conserve moisture, increase your soil biodiversity and even add nutrients for future crops. Join us as we talk about using this simple gardening technique that anyone can use, no matter what size garden you have.

Why fight weeds all summer long when you can keep your soil covered and happy? Enjoy your garden more and work less with this method. They don’t call it a Lazy Bed for nothing!

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Small Farm Outreach Program Office at (804) 524-3292 /TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Workshops support the USDA NIFA grant designed for “Outreach, Training, and Technical Assistance Project for Socially Disadvantaged and Veteran Beginning Farmers and Rancher in Virginia” Award Number 2017-70011-26861

Integrated Predator Management

A diverse panel of speakers from the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries and the USDA Wildlife Services Program will discuss the biology and management practices for wildlife species that affect agriculture in central Virginia. Presentations will include information on geese, vultures, and feral swine; coyote and furbearer biology; bear management in Virginia; and livestock protection methods.

Participants will learn about state and federal permitting requirements for birds, including geese and vultures, and for mammals such as deer and bear.

Speakers will present information on the Cooperative Wildlife Damage Management Program administered the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and USDA, and the opportunities available under this program to protect livestock from predators such as coyotes.

Presentations will be followed by field demonstrations of the tools and techniques that area producers can use to protect their livestock from local predators.

For more information, contact Small Farm Outreach agent Tracy Porter (804) 481-2566 / tporter@vsu.edu or call the Small Farm Outreach Program office at (804) 524-3292.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Small Farm Outreach Program office (smallfarm@vsu.edu) or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Diversified & Sustainable Farm Production at Dayspring Farm

The financial risk of a small family farm can be reduced by diversifying production lines on your farm. Offering a variety of profitable agricultural products and other value-added products can increase revenue potential by extending your selling season and spreading the financial risk across several lines of production.

Join us for a tour of Dayspring Farm led by owner Charlie Maloney, who will discuss the diverse and sustainable production practices he uses in his operation, including: • High Tunnel Production for extended season growing• Vegetable and small fruit crops for Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) • Drip irrigation systems• Pest management in fields and high tunnels

For more information, contact Small Farm Outreach Program Agent Tracy Porter at (804) 481-2566 or tporter@vsu.edu or call the Small Farm Outreach Program office at (804) 524-3292.

THIS EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOP IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Small Farm Outreach Program office (smallfarm@vsu.edu) or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Pond Management

Dr. David Crosby, VSU’s Fish Health Specialist and former President, Virginia Academy of Science and Dr. Brian Nerrie, aquaculture specialist with VSU Cooperative Extension, will conduct our pond side program where they will discuss water quality, weeds and weed management, fish population management and alternate uses of farm ponds.

For more information, contact Small Farm Outreach Program Agent Michael Carter, Sr. at (804) 481-1163 or mcarter@vsu.edu or call the Small Farm Outreach Program office at (804) 524-3292.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Small Farm Outreach Program office (smallfarm@vsu.edu) or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Small Farmer Orientation

This half-day workshop introduces the available training programs, technical assistance and financial resources designed to support new and beginning farm operations.

SPACE IS LIMITED.

To attend, contact Small Farm Outreach Program Agent Vernon Heath at vheath@vsu.edu or (804) 892-4518.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Small Farm Outreach Program office at smallfarm@vsu.edu or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

QuickBooks Training Workshop

Training does not include Quickbooks software or licenses for participants.﻿

QuickBooks® is a software program that can help you do everyday financial tasks quickly.

Create invoices and track salesEasily create invoices and sales receipts to keep track of who owes you money, what they bought, and when they paid you.

Stay on top of your expensesEnter and pay bills from vendors, and download your bank and credit card transactions directly into QuickBooks.

Gain insights into your businessDrill down to see the details behind the numbers, and export your reports and all of your QuickBooks formatting to Excel.

For more information, contact Derrick Cladd at (804) 892-4489 or dcladd@vsu.edu or call the Small Farm Outreach Program office at (804) 524-3292.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Small Farm Outreach Program office (smallfarm@vsu.edu) or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Workshops support the USDA NIFA grant designed for “Outreach, Training, and Technical Assistance Project for Socially Disadvantaged and Veteran Beginning Farmers and Rancher in Virginia” Award Number 2017-70011-26861

2019 VSU/USDA Field Day at The Carver Center

VSU Small Farm Outreach Program will host this exciting opportunity for farmers to see a variety of crop production and field management practices, learn more about research, and connect with experts and agriculture leaders in Virginia. USDA representatives will be on hand to talk about their agency resources that are available to help small and beginning farmers.

REGISTRATION OPENS AT 7:30AM

Welcome from Virginia State University College of Agriculture and Cooperative Extension• Ronald Howell, Director of Operations Management

Burnt Ends BBQ will be on hand for those who wish to purchase lunch at the Field Day. Discounts will be available for registered attendees!

For more information, call the Small Farm Outreach Program office at (804) 524-3292.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Small Farm Outreach Program office (smallfarm@vsu.edu) or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Small Engine Repair

Four-cycle engines are found on many types of equipment used by farmers including mowers, tillers, chain saws, ATVs and more! Knowing how to maintain and repair small engines can save you time and money. This workshop will help you understand how a small engine works, common problems that occur, and how to fix them. Information on safety and risk management issues related to small engine repair will also be included. as part of this hands-on workshop.

Participants should bring their own basic toolkit that includes a ratchet and socket set.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Small Farm Outreach Program office at smallfarm@vsu.edu or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Small Farm Outreach Program office (smallfarm@vsu.edu) or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Small Engine Repair

Four-cycle engines are found on many types of equipment used by farmers including mowers, tillers, chain saws, ATVs and more! Knowing how to maintain and repair small engines can save you time and money. This workshop will help you understand how a small engine works, common problems that occur, and how to fix them. Information on safety and risk management issues related to small engine repair will also be included. as part of this hands-on workshop.

Participants should bring their own basic toolkit that includes a ratchet and socket set.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Small Farm Outreach Program office at smallfarm@vsu.edu or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Melon and Pepper Production at Riverside Produce Farm

Luke Hallman, owner of Riverside Produce Farm, will lead the tour to show how he grows watermelon, cantaloupe, canary melons and a variety of heirloom peppers under plastic mulch with drip irrigation. Hallman will talk about how he established and maintains his own beehives to pollinate his gardens and discuss practices for integrated pest management. He will also share information about his experience with USDA FSA loans that are available for beginning farmers.

For more information, contact Tracy Porter at (804) 481-2566 or tporter@vsu.edu or call the Small Farm Outreach Program office at (804) 524-3292.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Small Farm Outreach Program office (smallfarm@vsu.edu) or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

The iLeadership Institute offers a week of fun, innovative, engaging and interactive sessions that will enhance the ability of 4-H youth to serve in local, district, state and national 4-H leadership roles. These include 4-H club leaders, camp counselors, members of 4-H Cabinet, State and National Congress, and as conference participants.

The 2019 Industrial Hemp Field Day will provide a forum for potential growers, researchers, marketing experts and industrial hemp product users to discuss the future of the crop in Virginia and neighboring states. Learn about the variety of products from industrial hemp, the challenges and opportunities for cultivating this crop, and an update on the legislation governing industrial hemp production in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

$50 per person for the first 100 registered. $65 per person afterward. Registration includes lunch and is limited to the first 400 registrants.

For more information, contact Laverne Morris at lmorris@vsu.edu or call (804) 524-5151.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact Laverne Morris at lmorris@vsu.edu or call (804) 524-5151 /TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

QuickBooks Training Workshop

This educational workshop is free and open to the public. Space is limited.

Training does not include Quickbooks software or licenses for participants.﻿

QuickBooks® is a software program that can help you do everyday financial tasks quickly.

Create invoices and track salesEasily create invoices and sales receipts to keep track of who owes you money, what they bought, and when they paid you.

Stay on top of your expensesEnter and pay bills from vendors, and download your bank and credit card transactions directly into QuickBooks.

Gain insights into your businessDrill down to see the details behind the numbers, and export your reports and all of your QuickBooks formatting to Excel.

For more information, contact Derrick Cladd at (804) 892-4489 or dcladd@vsu.edu or call the Small Farm Outreach Program office at (804) 524-3292.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Small Farm Outreach Program office (smallfarm@vsu.edu) or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Workshops support the USDA NIFA grant designed for “Outreach, Training, and Technical Assistance Project for Socially Disadvantaged and Veteran Beginning Farmers and Rancher in Virginia” Award Number 2017-70011-26861

Seed Saving for Profit and Production

Preservation of seeds is one of the foundations of sustainable food production. Learn why seed saving matters and how GMO agriculture, consolidation in the seed industry, loss of genetic diversity, and rapid decline in the number of active seed savers among black farmers affects your farm or garden.

Ira Wallace of Southern Exposure Seed Exchange author of Vegetable Gardening in the Southeast will present this workshop where you can learn the basics of seed saving, seed cleaning and seed production for your own farm and issues to consider when deciding whether selling seeds directly to gardeners or contracting for sales to independent seed companies both organic and non-organic will add to the bottom line on your farm.

For more information, contact Michael Carter Jr at (804) 691-0490 or micarter@vsu.edu or call the Small Farm Outreach Program office at (804) 524-3292.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Small Farm Outreach Program office (smallfarm@vsu.edu) or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Whole Farm Planning

Join VSU’s Small Farm Outreach Agent Susan Cheek for this introductory course from the New, Beginning & U.S. Military Veteran Farmer and Rancher Program from VSU’s Small Farm Outreach Program.

Whole Farm Planning puts beginning farmers in a good position to maintain or improve profitability while enhancing their sustainability. Whole Farm Planning can also lead to protection and enhancement of the quality of soil, water, and other natural resources on and near the farm. More importantly, the planning process helps beginning farmers define long and short term goals. These goals can help you improve your chances of a better quality of life at home and in your community.

Farmer Mentors Thomas and Anita Roberson will share their experience in creating and sustaining their own farm operation and answer questions from participants.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Small Farm Outreach Program office (smallfarm@vsu.edu) or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Workshops support the USDA NIFA grant designed for “Outreach, Training, and Technical Assistance Project for Socially Disadvantaged and Veteran Beginning Farmers and Rancher in Virginia” Award Number 2017-70011-26861

Poultry Processing

Join Small Farm Outreach Program Agent Tracy Porter to learn more about how to establish a profitable poultry processing farm operation.

This comprehensive workshop will begin with information to help you get started, including broiler variety selections and brooding set up, as well as options and equipment needed for feed and water in both pasture (with a mobile coop) and in a stationary coop to keep your flock healthy and safe from predators. Then, learn about available types of processing equipment, insurance options that can help manage risk, and ways that you can effectively market your business and products to consumers.

For more information, contact Small Farm Outreach Program Agent Tracy Porter at (804) 481-2566 or tporter@vsu.edu or call the Small Farm Outreach Program office at (804) 524-3292.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Small Farm Outreach Program office (smallfarm@vsu.edu) or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Soil. It’s Alive!

Part of the 2019 workshop series for beginning farmers at Fauquier Education Farm.

MAY 14, 20196PM-8PM

Fauquier Education Farm8428 Meetze Rd. • Warrenton, VA

This workshop is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is not required.

Explore the complex web of living organisms that can help make your garden soil much more productive. We will discuss the different types of organisms that are vital to good healthy soil and how you can be a better farmer by treating your soil as a living community.

We will be joined by Nancy Berlin from Prince William VCE and Thomas Bolles of Prince William SWCD. We will have guest worms, too! We also will take the time to look at how we build soil bio-diversity at the Fauquier Education Farm with methods you can use at home.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Small Farm Outreach Program Office at (804) 524-3292 /TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Workshops support the USDA NIFA grant designed for “Outreach, Training, and Technical Assistance Project for Socially Disadvantaged and Veteran Beginning Farmers and Rancher in Virginia” Award Number 2017-70011-26861

Small acreage farmers in Virginia may improve their market sales by building brand identity with a business logo and brochure. A business logo leaves a lasting impression on customers that give your operation a professional image. Agribusiness and Marketing Specialist Dr. Theresa Nartea will explain the importance of logo branding and discuss how to use your logo on product labels, clothing, car magnets, etc.

After learning how to combine free clip art, shapes, and word art, participants will be able to create an attractive farm logo. Participants will also learn about adapting free MSWord brochure templates to develop a unique farm brochure to give to existing and potential customers.

As a result of participating in a hands-on training, small farmers may benefit from increased profitability due to the ability to effectively promote their business with a logo and brochure.

For more information, contact Vernon Heath at (804) 892-4518 or vheath@vsu.edu or call the Small Farm Outreach Program office at (804) 524-3292.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Small Farm Outreach Program office (smallfarm@vsu.edu) or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

QuickBooks Training Workshop

This educational workshop is free and open to the public. Space is limited.

Training does not include Quickbooks software or licenses for participants.

﻿

QuickBooks® is a software program that can help you do everyday financial tasks quickly.

Create invoices and track salesEasily create invoices and sales receipts to keep track of who owes you money, what they bought, and when they paid you.

Stay on top of your expensesEnter and pay bills from vendors, and download your bank and credit card transactions directly into QuickBooks.

Gain insights into your businessDrill down to see the details behind the numbers, and export your reports and all of your QuickBooks formatting to Excel.

For more information, contact Derrick Cladd at (804) 892-4489 or dcladd@vsu.edu or call the Small Farm Outreach Program office at (804) 524-3292.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Small Farm Outreach Program office (smallfarm@vsu.edu) or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Workshops support the USDA NIFA grant designed for “Outreach, Training, and Technical Assistance Project for Socially Disadvantaged and Veteran Beginning Farmers and Rancher in Virginia” Award Number 2017-70011-26861

Small Farmer Orientation

This half-day workshop introduces the available training programs, technical assistance and financial resources designed to support new and beginning farm operations.

SPACE IS LIMITED.

To attend, contact Small Farm Outreach Program Agent Vernon Heath at vheath@vsu.edu or (804) 892-4518.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Small Farm Outreach Program office at smallfarm@vsu.edu or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Cage Production Workshop: Building Fish Cages for Ponds

May 9, 20191:30PM - 5PM

VSU Randolph Farm4415 River Road • Petersburg, VA

Participants will learn the basics of cage aquaculture and construct a fish cage. Raising fish in cages can utilize a water resource that is not suitable for other aquaculture production techniques. Farm ponds are a good example where cage aquaculture is quite suited as a production means.

Presented by David Crosby, Brian Nerrie, Louis Landesman

THIS EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOP IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. SPACE IS LIMITED TO 20 PARTICIPANTS.

Cage-building materials will be provided, but participants are encouraged to bring leather gloves, tin snips, a tape measure, cutting pliers and protective goggles.

If you have any questions, please contact David Crosby at dcrosby@vsu.edu or (804) 712-3771.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Aquaculture Program office at (804) 524-5496 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Henrico Extension Office at 804-501-5160/TDD* during business hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to discuss accommodations 5 days prior to the event. *TDD number is (800) 828-1120.

Carolyn Quinn, owner of Dug In Farms, will lead the group on a tour with a focus on growing and marketing field-grown cut flowers. Dug in Farms operates an honor box veggie, flower & egg stand.

Jenny and Paul Maloney own Wind Haven Farm located in Middlesex County, Va. Wind Haven Farm is a small-scale ecologically grown local flower farm that primarily wholesales to retail operations. They also provide flowers for casual weddings & events. In the six years since they started farming Paul and Jenny have increased their production acreage from 1.25 acres to nearly nine acres.

For more information, contact Small Farm Outreach Agent Susan Cheek at (804) 720-5539 or call the Small Farm Outreach Program office at (804) 524-3292.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Small Farm Outreach Program office (smallfarm@vsu.edu) or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Value-Added Production with Herbs

Taliah Muhammad, local herbalist and owner of Sister Taliah’s Naturals, will lead this interactive, two-hour workshop where participants will learn how to create their own value-added products. They will also learn savvy techniques for identifying and marketing to their consumer with tips on product design, branding, website design, and social media marketing.

For more information, contact Michael Carter, Jr. at (804) 691-0490 or micarter@vsu.edu or call the Small Farm Outreach Program office at (804) 524-3292.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Small Farm Outreach Program office (smallfarm@vsu.edu) or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Tour the Maker’s Market at Southern Virginia Food Hub, a new operation with a mission to create “successful agribusinesses in our community while preserving the heritage of our family farms and local cuisine.” The Maker’s Market is designed to showcase products from more than 100 small farmers and food artisans, especially in Brunswick, Charlotte, Dinwiddie, Greensville, Halifax, Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, and Nottoway counties.

Presenter Ann Taylor Wright, who has helped lead the development of the Southern Virginia Food Hum and Maker’s Market, will discuss the products and services of the Marker’s Market including, a local food grocery, classroom for farmer and community classes, inspected kitchen for rent, inspected dairy processing room for rent, coffee shop, and ready-to-eat take home meals. She will also provide information about the benefits of creating value-added products to eliminate waste and increase profits.

For more information, contact Small Farm Outreach Program Agent Marilyn Estes at (804) 481-0485 or mestes@vsu.edu or call the Small Farm Outreach Program office at (804) 524-3292.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Small Farm Outreach Program office (smallfarm@vsu.edu) or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Small farmers can gain confidence in their product display and handwriting skills and may benefit from learning and practicing market display, chalkboard lettering, and drawing techniques to use when preparing their farm market displays at farmers markets or other retail sales outlets.

Dr. Theresa Nartea, VSU Agribusiness & Marketing Extension specialist will conduct this hands-on training to show how participants can improve market display and signage for their farm products to increase profit potential.

For more information, contact VSU Small Farm Outreach Agent Vernon Heath ( vheath@vsu.edu / (804) 892-4518) or call the Small Farm Outreach Program office at 804-524-3292.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Small Farm Outreach Program office (smallfarm@vsu.edu) or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

High Tunnel Production at Dayspring Farm

Charlie Maloney, owner of Dayspring Farm, will offer a tour of his farm, along with a discussion on the growing and management practices he uses for small fruit and vegetable production in high tunnels that includes drip irrigation, integrated pest management, USDA GAP requirements and more.

For more information, contact Small Farm Outreach Program Agent Tracy Porter at (804) 481-2566 or tporter@vsu.edu or call the Small Farm Outreach Program office at (804) 524-3292.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Small Farm Outreach Program office (smallfarm@vsu.edu) or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

For more information, contact Tracy Porter at (804) 481-2566 or tporter@vsu.edu or call the Small Farm Outreach Program office at (804) 524-3292.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Small Farm Outreach Program office (smallfarm@vsu.edu) or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Raising Alpacas for Breeding Stock & Fiber

Learn from farmer Mary Martinez-Rigo about the business and potential for raising alpacas on your farm. Alpacas are members of the Camelid family as are the vicuna, guanaco, llama and camel. Alpacas are raised for their fiber as well as seed stock. The workshop will include information on breeding stock selection, dedicated husbandry and managed nutrition.

At Littlebird Alpacas the herd is shorn annually. Participants will learn about shearing, harvesting of fiber as well as end product production.

This workshop is sure to provide a new perspective on livestock and the rewards of small-scale farming!

For more information, contact Small Farm Outreach Program Agent Marilyn Estes at (804) 481-0485 or mestes@vsu.edu or call the Small Farm Outreach Program office at (804) 524-3292.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Small Farm Outreach Program office (smallfarm@vsu.edu) or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Small-scale Aquaponics Systems

Aquaponics is the integration of growing plants and fish into one system. The workshop will cover the necessary information on how to do a small-scale aquaponics for hobbyists, schools and as an enterprise for a farm and urban setting. A small-scale aquaponics unit will be demonstrated as part of the workshop.

Dr. David Crosby, Dr. Brian Nerrie, Chris Mullins and Jimmy Mullins with VSU Extension in areas of aquaculture, horticulture and aquaponics will present information related to the following topics:

Overview of aquaponics

System design considerations for aquaponics

Plants for aquaponics

Fish for aquaponics

Water quality and fish health

Marketing

For more information, contact Small Farm Outreach Program Agent Vernon Heath at (804) 892-4518 or vheath@vsu.edu or call the Small Farm Outreach Program office at (804) 524-3292.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Small Farm Outreach Program office (smallfarm@vsu.edu) or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

The Virginia Urban Agriculture Summit brings together more than 100 urban farmers, gardeners, foodies, ag-tivists, policy makers and government leaders for three days of networking and learning about one of agriculture’s fastest growing sectors.

(Your registration and bus tour preference will be confirmed once we receive your payment by mail.)

$150 per person (Registration is limited to the first 150 registrants)

Includes

Two buffet lunches, two continental breakfast, a networking dinner reception, and continuous food and drink refreshments throughout much of the summit, prepared by an award-winning chef who features a menu sourcing the freshest meats, seafood, and seasonal fruits and vegetables from local and regional artisan providers

Access to all presentations and exhibits Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday

Free parking and wifi

One of the most advanced meeting and conference facilities in Virginia and the mid-Atlantic region

Your choice of one of three educational bus tours*

We’re looking forward to you registering for the conference. Please remember you must make your room reservation separately from registering for the event.

For more information, contact Dr. Leonard Githinji at ((804) 524-5482 or lgithinji@vsu.edu or call the Sustainable and Urban Agriculture Program office at 804) 524-5960.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact Mollie Klein (mklein@vsu.edu) or call (804) 524-5960 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

*Note: There is an extra $25 fee for the Chesapeake bus tour to cover the cost of tastings, tour and souvenir beer glass at Back Bay Farmhouse Brewing Company.

Preservation of seeds is one of the foundations of sustainable food production. Learn why seed saving matters and how GMO agriculture, consolidation in the seed industry, loss of genetic diversity, and rapid decline in the number of active seed savers among black farmers affects your farm or garden.

Then, learn the basics of seed saving, seed cleaning and seed production for your own farm and issues to consider when deciding whether selling seeds directly to gardeners or contracting for sales to independent seed companies both organic and non-organic will add to the bottom line on your farm.

For more information, contact Marilyn Estes at (804) 481-0485 or mestes@vsu.edu or call the Small Farm Outreach Program office at (804) 524-3292.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Small Farm Outreach Program office (smallfarm@vsu.edu) or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Beginning Beekeeping

VDACS State Aparist Keith Tignor will provide classroom instruction on the following topics:

Colony Collapse Disorder

VDACS Pollinator Protection Plan

Grants available for Beekeepers

Beekeeper Equipment

Beehive Components, Construction and Maintenance

The classroom instruction will be followed by a demonstration of how to open, inspect and maintain a beehive.Attendees must bring their own bee suit and wear long sleeves, pants and closed-toe shoes in order to participate in the hands-on demonstration with live hives.

For more information, contact Small Farm Outreach Program Agent Tracy Porter at (804) 481-2566 or tporter@vsu.edu or call the Small Farm Outreach Program office at (804) 524-3292.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Small Farm Outreach Program office (smallfarm@vsu.edu) or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

The importance of soil sampling and understanding the results. A demonstration of the the proper method of taking and preparing a soil sample for shipment will be conducted if time permits.

Water management (irrigation) and using tensiometers to avoid under- or over-watering

Benefits of cover crops to soil erosion and fertility, and NRCS programs available to improve soil and water quality.

For more information, contact Small Farm Outreach Program Agent Susan Cheek at (804) 720-5539 or scheek@vsu.edu or call the Small Farm Outreach Program office at (804) 524-3292.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Small Farm Outreach Program office (smallfarm@vsu.edu) or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Estate Planning & Land Transition

This workshop is being rescheduled for fall 2019.

10AM - 12PM

Loudoun County Extension Office

750 Miller Drive SE, Suite F-3

Leesburg, Virginia

This educational workshop is free and open to the public.

The USDA estimates that 70% of U.S. farmland will change hands in the next twenty years. If a farm or ranch family business has not adequately planned for changes in ownership, it is more likely to go out of business, be absorbed into ever-larger farming neighbors, or be converted to non-farm uses.

This workshop will provide information and guidance on the decisions you can make today to help you plan and achieve financial and personal goals for the future of your farm.

Presented by Ebonie Alexander, Executive Director, Black Family Land Trust, Inc. (BFLT). The BFLT is a niche land trust and one of the nation’s only regional land trust dedicated to the preservation and protection of African-American and other historically underserved landowner’s land assets.

For information, contact Small Farm Agent Susan Cheek, (804) 720-5539 / scheek@vsu.edu, or call the Small Farm Outreach Program Office at (804) 524-3292.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Small Farm Outreach Program office (smallfarm@vsu.edu) or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Workshops support the USDA NIFA grant designed for “Outreach, Training, and Technical Assistance Project for Socially Disadvantaged and Veteran Beginning Farmers and Rancher in Virginia” Award Number 2017-70011-26861

Small market farmers in Virginia may sell in different market outlets but may not be able to determine which of their markets is most profitable for their operation.

Although many software programs are available to assist farmers in determining their most profitable market outlets, the majority are not free or have not been developed specifically for the unique record keeping challenges of small market farmers. To address this issue, University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers at the Center for Integrated Agriculture Systems have developed the Veggie Compass (veggiecompass.com) an online profit management tool.

In order to manage risk and improve the economic viability of their small farm, participants will become familiar with how to use Veggie Compass to assess market profitability of specific crops sold across different market outlets.

Dr. Theresa Nartea, VSU Agribusiness & Marketing Extension specialist, will lead this hands-on training to show small farmers how they may benefit from understanding the types of recordkeeping necessary for profitable farm business operations. Participants will also learn how to use records to increase business profitability and mitigate risk in market outlet selection.

For more information, contact VSU Small Farm Outreach Agent Vernon Heath ( vheath@vsu.edu / (804) 892-4518) or call the Small Farm Outreach Program office at 804-524-3292.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Small Farm Outreach Program office (smallfarm@vsu.edu) or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Small Farm Outreach Program office (smallfarm@vsu.edu) or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Hair sheep have been a growing segment of the U.S. sheep and small ruminant industry. They are well suited for sustainable, pasture-based production and are a good fit for novice producers.

Over the past 15 years Virginia State University has been managing and conducting research with a hair sheep flock of different breeds. The animals are managed in a low input, easy-care production system that includes lambing on pasture at different times of the year (April, December and July).

The day-long workshop introduces sheep producers to pasture lambing, and provides hands-on exposure to activities associated with lambing. The research flock at VSU consists of 100 Barbados Blackbelly and St. Croix ewes. Peak lambing activity is projected for the day of the workshop.

The workshop will be conducted by Dr. Dahlia O’Brien, Small Ruminant Extension Specialist and Dr. Stephan Wildeus, Research Professor - Small Ruminants

For more information, contact the VSU Small Ruminants Program office at 804) 524-5960.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact Mollie Klein (mklein@vsu.edu) or call (804) 524-5960 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Diversified Farm Tour: Chesapeake Green Farms

THIS WORKSHOP IS BEING RESCHEDULED FOR FALL 2019

Chesapeake Green Farms

191 Bow Wood Drive

Heathsville, Virginia

This educational workshop is free and open to the public.

The financial risk of a small family farm can be reduced by diversifying production lines on your farm. Offering a variety of profitable agricultural products and other value-added products can increase revenue potential by extending your selling season and spreading the financial risk across several lines of production.

Join us for this farm tour led by Kelly Strickland, owner of Chesapeake Green Farms, for a look at their diverse farm operations that include oyster production, high tunnel niche crops, meat rabbit production, and value-added products.

For more information, contact Small Farm Outreach Program Agent Tracy Porter at (804) 481-2566 or tporter@vsu.edu or call the Small Farm Outreach Program office at (804) 524-3292.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Small Farm Outreach Program office (smallfarm@vsu.edu) or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

The importance of soil sampling and understanding the results. A demonstration of the the proper method of taking and preparing a soil sample for shipment will be conducted if time permits.

Water management (irrigation) and using tensiometers to avoid under- or over-watering

Benefits of cover crops to soil erosion and fertility, and NRCS programs available to improve soil and water quality.

For more information, contact Small Farm Outreach Program Agent Cliff Somerville (804) 892-4581 / csomerville@vsu.edu or call the Small Farm Outreach Program office at (804) 524-3292.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Small Farm Outreach Program office (smallfarm@vsu.edu) or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

USDA’s Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certification is achieved through voluntary audits performed by USDA federal or state agency representatives that verify that fruits and vegetables are produced, packed, handled, and stored as safely as possible to minimize risks of microbial food safety hazards.

VSU Small Farm Agent Leonel Castillo will present an introduction to GAP for farmers who are interested in applying for GAP certification to learn about requirements and regulations.

Michael Carter, Jr., coordinator of the Virginia Small Farm Resource Center, will present information related to USDA GAP recommendations for packhouse and traceback practices. He will discuss the importance of maintaining buildings, fixtures and other physical facilities and their grounds in good condition to reduce the potential for microbial contamination of produce and for pest control. Mike will also provide information on traceback, the ability to track food items, including fresh produce, back to their source (growers, packers, etc.)

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Small Farm Outreach Program office (smallfarm@vsu.edu) or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.